My mother was born and raised in Manila, Philippines. She told me that growing up there was very hard for her, and so she did not want to teach me the language when I was a child. Therefore, we never visited the country, and I grew up in America, always wondering about that other side of my heritage. Unfortunately, my mother passed away in 2010, leaving me petrified. I love my mother but I always felt that she was my only connection to the other side of who I am, which is half Filipino. This blog is a sort of chronicle as I study the culture and language of the Philippines, and how it relates to me, my mom, and my family. There is a lot to be known about the country, and I am interested in learning about it, and sharing it with whoever would like to do the same. Now keep in mind, my Tagalog (Filipino) is limited. I want to learn some of that too. Eventually, if I can, I'd like to visit there. But for now, as I have followed in my family's heritage and had a lot of childre...